Aa
UTI in infant with discharge from urethra
My five month old has had two UTI's. Her Dr. pretty much has no idea what could be wrong. We are going to a pediatric urologist, but I am wondering what could be wrong with her. She also has had a discharge (we are pretty sure it is coming from her urethra). Has anyone ever heard of this or know what could be causing it. We have already had the VCUG and ultrasound and everything was ok.
Hi sherra and cbolla,
My lo also has similar symptom and 1 episode of uti.
Can you tell me what was the final diagnosis?
My lo also has similar symptom and 1 episode of uti.
Can you tell me what was the final diagnosis?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Regarding your other question:
No, I do not think that it was an infection contracted at birth. Normal bacterial overgrowth of the vagina can include organisms like gardnerella vaginalis (bacillus vaginalis) and can cause discharge following sexual intercourse. E.Coli would not have caused a normal overgrowth and would have been associated with UTI symptoms long before now given that you must have given birth over 5 months back.
If you go through my first post, you will note that I have advised that the baby be wiped front to back and the person changing diapers should wash their hands before and after cleaning the baby. Some small measures can go a long way in preventing illnesses.
regards,
Regarding your other question:
No, I do not think that it was an infection contracted at birth. Normal bacterial overgrowth of the vagina can include organisms like gardnerella vaginalis (bacillus vaginalis) and can cause discharge following sexual intercourse. E.Coli would not have caused a normal overgrowth and would have been associated with UTI symptoms long before now given that you must have given birth over 5 months back.
If you go through my first post, you will note that I have advised that the baby be wiped front to back and the person changing diapers should wash their hands before and after cleaning the baby. Some small measures can go a long way in preventing illnesses.
regards,
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
E.Coli are normal components of stool. Most E.Coli strains do not cause any problems in humans, but there are a few toxic strains that can cause diarrhea.
The normal E.Coli can cause problems if they go where they are not normally supposed to be. This includes the urinary tract and any place other than the GI tract.
The most obvious explanation for UTI with E.Coli would be that there has been contamination of the urethra from fecal matter while changing diapers. Other causes can include structural abnormalities that can result in a connection of the bladder or urethra with the bowel. The examination by the pediatric urologist will provide further guidance in this regard.
Ensure that you keep her fed as often as she wants or every 2-3 hours.
regards,
E.Coli are normal components of stool. Most E.Coli strains do not cause any problems in humans, but there are a few toxic strains that can cause diarrhea.
The normal E.Coli can cause problems if they go where they are not normally supposed to be. This includes the urinary tract and any place other than the GI tract.
The most obvious explanation for UTI with E.Coli would be that there has been contamination of the urethra from fecal matter while changing diapers. Other causes can include structural abnormalities that can result in a connection of the bladder or urethra with the bowel. The examination by the pediatric urologist will provide further guidance in this regard.
Ensure that you keep her fed as often as she wants or every 2-3 hours.
regards,
Something else. When I went to my OBGYN six weeks after having my baby I had a bacterial infection. She said it wasn't bad, just an overgrowth of bacteria. Could I have somehow given this bacteria to her if it was there when I gave birth? Could that be causing her UTI's? Your help is greatly appreciated.
1 Comments
What was your baby's final diagnosis? My baby has the same symptoms and has had 5 utis without fevers. Please let me know what the urologist said.
Thank you. They said it was E Coli in her urine. They also tested her after her last round of antibiotics to make sure the infection was gone. We got in to a Ped. Urologist in two weeks. The thing that I find strange is that she has had no symptoms (that we know of) of her UTI infection other than the discharge...not even a fever. Is that normal for a UTI in a baby? I can't find any information on the internet about babies having this (yellowish green) discharge with a UTI.
After her first UTI I made sure that I was the only one that changed her dirty diapers to MAKE SURE that it was done right. We are VERY clean people and make sure that we change her diapers right away.
After her first UTI I made sure that I was the only one that changed her dirty diapers to MAKE SURE that it was done right. We are VERY clean people and make sure that we change her diapers right away.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Other than hygiene-related factors, structural abnormalities are the commonest causes for frequent UTIs in infants and children.
Some basic points regarding hygiene in babies is that female babies will need to be cleaned wiping from front to back. Though a baby that is not yet weaned would not have too many bacterial organisms in its feces whatever organism is causing this infection could have originated in the GI tract. Additionally, the hands of the individual changing the baby will need to be washed with soap BEFORE and after the procedure.
If the baby has had 2 UTIs close together, check whether a culture sensitivity has been done to evaluate the organism causing the infection and the antibiotic it is sensitive to. If the culture sensitivity indicates that the bacteria was treated with the appropriate antibiotic, check whether the dose was appropriate. Babies' weight keeps changing so rapidly that they need adjustments in treatment doses even if the infections were a month apart.
If your baby has been weaned, ensure that she has been receiving adequate amounts of fluids. These include milk and juices if she is no longer being breast-fed. If breast-feeding, ensure that the baby has a feed every 3 hours or more often as she wants. The mother's milk has immunoglobulins that confer immunity to the baby that helps in healing and preventing infections.
The pediatric urologist will also evaluate the baby for any other abnormalities that could be predisposing her to UTIs.
Do keep us posted
regards
Other than hygiene-related factors, structural abnormalities are the commonest causes for frequent UTIs in infants and children.
Some basic points regarding hygiene in babies is that female babies will need to be cleaned wiping from front to back. Though a baby that is not yet weaned would not have too many bacterial organisms in its feces whatever organism is causing this infection could have originated in the GI tract. Additionally, the hands of the individual changing the baby will need to be washed with soap BEFORE and after the procedure.
If the baby has had 2 UTIs close together, check whether a culture sensitivity has been done to evaluate the organism causing the infection and the antibiotic it is sensitive to. If the culture sensitivity indicates that the bacteria was treated with the appropriate antibiotic, check whether the dose was appropriate. Babies' weight keeps changing so rapidly that they need adjustments in treatment doses even if the infections were a month apart.
If your baby has been weaned, ensure that she has been receiving adequate amounts of fluids. These include milk and juices if she is no longer being breast-fed. If breast-feeding, ensure that the baby has a feed every 3 hours or more often as she wants. The mother's milk has immunoglobulins that confer immunity to the baby that helps in healing and preventing infections.
The pediatric urologist will also evaluate the baby for any other abnormalities that could be predisposing her to UTIs.
Do keep us posted
regards
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Urology Community
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
